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WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
April 21, 2026
Breitling's chronographs celebrate the anniversary year of Kamen Rider.
BREITLING | The Top Time B01 Racing Kamen Rider Limited Edition
Breitling has unveiled the "Top Time B01 Racing Kamen Rider Limited Edition," a Japan-exclusive model commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Kamen Rider series. This special edition merges the spirit of a hero beloved across generations with Breitling's iconic racing chronograph lineage.
Text by Kosaku Waseda
LE HÉROS ÉTERNEL (The Eternal Hero), For Adults Who Were Once Children
Born in the 1960s, Breitling's "Top Time" is a racing chronograph that has evolved alongside motorsports culture. Conceived by Willy Breitling, the third generation of the founding family, the model embodied the free-spirited zeitgeist and passion for style of its era. With its bold proportions and graphical dial, it became a widely recognized symbol of speed and style, transcending generations and genders.
This limited edition, created in honor of the 55th anniversary of Kamen Rider's debut in 1971, carries on that spirit. Only 155 pieces have been produced, a nod to the anniversary year. A subtle emblem graces the dial at the 9 o'clock position, and the outer ring is inscribed with "LE HÉROS ÉTERNEL (The Eternal Hero)." These refined details are understated, meant for those in the know.
The case back features a silhouette of the Cyclone power bike and the "ONE OF 155" engraving, clearly marking its status as a limited edition. The accompanying bespoke watch box also bears the emblem, enhancing the sense of exclusivity from the moment it is opened.
The watch is powered by Breitling's in-house Caliber 01 movement, offering reliable performance and precision for everyday wear. It captures the essence of the 1970s, the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle, and the spirit of a hero dedicated to their mission, all within a sophisticated form that eschews overt theatrics.
The hero who once captivated children in front of their televisions now adorns the wrists of adults in a new form. Rather than the childishness often associated with character-themed items, this piece is expressed as a subtle touch of playfulness—a testament to the prowess of a venerable watchmaking maison.
Breitling Top Time B01 Racing Kamen Rider Limited Edition
Case material | Stainless steel
Case size | Diameter 38 mm, Thickness 13.07 mm
Weight | Approx. 88.83 g
Movement | Caliber Breitling 01 (Self-winding)
Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
Strap | Calfskin leather
Water resistance | 10 bar
Power reserve | Approx. 70 hours
Price | ¥1,255,100 (incl. tax)
Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions About Breitling Watches
Q. Please tell me about Breitling's brand history.
It began in 1884 when 24-year-old Léon Breitling established a workshop for chronograph manufacturing in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. From its inception, the company earned a reputation for precise chronographs. In 1892, it relocated to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of the watchmaking industry, solidifying its foundation as a watch brand. The second generation, Gaston, developed the world's first wristwatch chronograph in 1915, and the third generation, Willy, further deepened the company's ties with the aviation industry. In 1942, Breitling launched the "Chronomat" with a circular slide rule, followed by the "Navitimer" in 1952, establishing immense support from major airlines and pilots worldwide. Guided by the philosophy of "instruments for professionals," Breitling has continued its journey as a pioneer of chronographs for over 140 years.
Q. What was the background behind the development of the "Top Time" model?
In the 1960s, chronographs were perceived by younger generations as icons of their parents' timepieces. To re-establish their appeal, Willy Breitling intuitively recognized the importance of reaching a new customer base to revitalize mechanical chronographs. Thus, the Top Time was launched in 1964. Designed for "young, active professionals," this model, with its unconventional cushion case and graphical dial, captured the hearts of style-conscious men and women. It quickly became a fashion icon, appearing in films and achieving cult status. That unconventional spirit continues today, with unique designs emerging through partnerships with prominent figures in the motorsports world.
Q. Please tell me about the world of Kamen Rider.
Kamen Rider is a tokusatsu television drama produced by MBS and Toei, which began airing on April 3, 1971. The series was based on the original work and character designs by Shotaro Ishinomori. The story is set in a world where the evil secret society "Shocker," aiming for world domination, creates modified humans—monsters—by merging selected individuals with various creatures, plunging cities into terror. The protagonist, Takeshi Hongo, is modified by Shocker but escapes just before brain surgery. Though grappling with the loss of his human body, he vows to fight Shocker for the peace of humanity. This narrative structure, where "power given by evil is used to fight evil," resonated with the children of the time as the image of a lonely hero bearing pain, becoming a social phenomenon. It is a flagship Japanese hero content that has continued for over half a century, spanning the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.